My name is Jane Casey, and I've had the privilege to be a member of the CNIB Lake Joe Advisory Board for almost two years now. My “why” for joining the board is that I absolutely love Muskoka – it's my most favorite peaceful, beautiful spot in the world – and it's home to CNIB Lake Joe, a barrier-free spot where everyone can enjoy independence, friendship, and new experiences. I love that CNIB Lake Joe has supported people who are blind and partially sighted and their families and
friends for over 60 years.
I started working at CNIB Lake Joe in my teens and I worked in every single role at camp for nine amazing summers.
It is part of my heart and soul. As I grew up, I developed life-long friendships and watched so many people experience the beautiful serenity of Lake Joe, barrier-free. They have made a huge difference in my life. It’s wonderful for me to
be able to represent a place I’ve loved for almost my whole life.
Oh, the memories! I was a staff member when CNIB Lake Joe celebrated its 25th anniversary and I went back to camp with my family to celebrate its 50th! I noticed that some guests with sight loss needed help getting back on a path so I approached them and asked, “Would you like my assistance?” The immediate response was “Is that a Casey twin?”
(I have an identical twin sister that worked at Lake Joe too). After 25 years, they still remembered me! We had such a great time together that day, reminiscing about old times.
During CNIB Lake Joe’s 60th anniversary, I was excited to become a member of the new CNIB Lake Joe alumni and rekindle even more connections from those formative years. When I was asked if I would like to apply to be a member of the CNIB Lake Joe Advisory Board, I jumped at the chance. This gave me an opportunity to give back to CNIB Lake Joe and to utilize my extensive nursing leadership background. Health and wellness are top priorities at camp, and I was
thrilled to be able to help guide the management team on pandemic protocols and assist with recruiting and hiring seasonal nursing staff.
What's also been really nice is that it my role on this board has allowed my personal and professional interests to come together. I love hockey. My boys play hockey. And I had this opportunity to go to a blind hockey tournament to promote CNIB Lake Joe programs to players and their parents. Whatever your personal or professional interests are, you're really able to maximize them to assist with this work.
I think that CNIB Lake Joe is such a gem and everybody throughout Canada needs to be able to access it. I've loved the work that we've been able to do to help support those who financially might not be able to come to camp.
Do you want to get on board and accomplish great things on the CNIB Lake Joe Advisory Board? Contact Sherri Helsdingen, Manager, Community Engagement at sherri.helsdingen@cnib.ca or 705-241-2907 or visit www.cnib.ca/LakeJoeVolunteers